Densus 88 detains 14 terror suspects in three provinces

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Police's anti-terror squad Special Detachment (Densus) 88 detained 14 suspected terrorists in three provinces on Thursday (Dec 16).

A spokesperson of the Indonesian Police Senior Commissioner Ahmad Ramadhan stated here on Friday that the 14 suspects were detained in North Sumatra, Batam in Riau Islands, and South Sumatra.

Of the total, nine suspects were arrested in North Sumatra, one in South Sumatra, and four in Batam, Riau Islands Province.

Ramadhan remarked that the arrests in North Sumatra were made at two locations. Seven suspects were detained in Medan City and two others in Tanjung Balai.

"All (nine) suspects have been detained at the North Sumatra police headquarter," he added.

Ramadhan noted that four suspects arrested in Batam were detained at the Barelang Police Station.

Ramadhan did not furnish further information on their links to terrorist network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) or Jamaah Ansharud Daulah (JAD).

The anti-terror squad has continued to conduct prevention and prosecution operations against terrorism in the country.

Following the suicide bombing incident at the Makassar Cathedral Church, South Sulawesi, on March 28, 2021, Densus 88 has intensified its crackdown on terrorist groups, including JI and JAD.

Densus 88 is currently targeting JI's top ranks by arresting the amirs, or leaders, including the masterminds and fundraisers of terrorist organizations.

On Monday (Dec 13), Densus 88 arrested four suspected JI members in South Sumatra, who allegedly hid JI's members and were involved in fund raising for the group.